Bonus Watch '15: JP Morgan To Make Other Banks Look Like Cheapskates

Typically, finding out one's bonus would be flat year-on-year would not be music to one's ears (and would result in a lot of cries of "F*ck this bank, I've got other options). But compared to no bonus (and a kick in the pants) or something that merely resembles a bonus? It's an embarrassment of riches.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), the world’s biggest investment bank by revenue, is leaving its bonus pool roughly unchanged from 2014, adding to pressure on weakened rivals, according to people with knowledge of the plan. The bank told top managers about its initial decision this month as desks prepare for year-end pay discussions with employees, said the people, asking not to be identified talking about personnel matters. While JPMorgan’s plan may yet change depending on trading performance in December, its push to preserve the pool bucks the trend at European competitors including Deutsche Bank AG, which is preparing to cut payouts.